Break a Palindrome Algorithm
Overview
This question evaluates algorithmic reasoning and product decision-making by testing string-manipulation skills, constraint handling, and concise edge-case analysis within the domain of product/decision-making and algorithm design.
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Jul 4, 2025, 8:28 PM
Product Manager
Take-home Project
Product / Decision Making
7
0
Break a Palindrome to the Lexicographically Smallest Non-Palindrome
Task
Given a palindromic string of lowercase English letters (length 1 to 1,000), replace exactly one character so that:
- The result is no longer a palindrome, and
- It is the lexicographically smallest possible string among all valid one-character replacements.
Return the resulting string, or an empty string if it cannot be done.
What to Provide
- Describe your algorithm.
- Call out key edge cases (e.g., single-character input).
- Analyze time and space complexity.
Solution
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